Childhood Obesity Crisis: More Kids Now Overweight Than Underweight, UNICEF Warns

For the first time in history, more children worldwide are obese than underweight, according to a major Unicef report. Around 188 million children and teenagers aged five to 19—roughly one in 10—are now considered obese, a sharp rise from just 3% in 2000. Experts say this surge is largely driven by ultra-processed foods that are cheap, calorie-dense, and heavily marketed, replacing traditional diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and protein. Childhood obesity poses serious long-term health risks, including type-2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers, and can impact growth, cognitive development, and mental well-being. Governments and parents are being urged to take urgent action to create healthier food environments and promote balanced nutrition among children.Unicef’s report, drawing on data from more than 190 countries, shows that obesity has overtaken underweight in nearly all regions except sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Childhood overweight affects roughly one in five children globally, with obesity rates rising from 3% in 2000 to 9.4% today. The Pacific Islands have some of the highest obesity rates, with Niue at 38%, the Cook Islands at 37%, and Nauru at 33%. High-income countries such as Chile, the United States, and the UAE also report significant increases, highlighting that obesity is a global concern.Experts say the surge in obesity is linked to diets dominated by ultra-processed foods (UPFs) like fizzy drinks, ready meals, biscuits, and cereals. These products are often high in sugar, fat, salt, and additives, and are heavily marketed to children digitally and in schools. Traditional diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and protein are being replaced, making children more susceptible to poor nutrition. Catherine Russell, Unicef executive director, emphasized that obesity is now a key aspect of malnutrition and requires urgent attention.Being overweight or obese in childhood can have lifelong consequences. Obesity increases the risk of type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and some cancers. It can also impact growth, cognitive development, and mental health. In many countries, children face a “double burden” of malnutrition—both obesity and stunting—complicating efforts to improve health outcomes and requiring targeted interventions to address both undernutrition and excessive weight.Unicef recommends multiple strategies to combat childhood obesity:Countries like Mexico have shown success by banning UPFs in schools, highlighting the importance of legal measures combined with public awareness campaigns.The report warns that failing to address childhood obesity will have huge economic impacts. By 2035, the global cost of overweight and obesity is expected to exceed $4 trillion annually. Beyond the economic burden, rising obesity also affects children’s lifelong health, productivity, and overall well-being, making early interventions critical.The global rise of childhood obesity signals a public health crisis driven by cheap, ultra-processed foods. Parents, policymakers, and communities must act decisively to protect children’s nutrition, encourage healthier diets, and prevent long-term health consequences. Addressing this challenge now can shape a healthier, stronger generation for the future.